Causes

Hip pointers are caused by a direct blow to the bony part of the pelvis. This commonly occurs in when the pelvis comes into contact with a hard object, like a helmet. It can also occur by taking a hard fall onto the hip.

Risk Factors

Participating in contact sports increases your chance of developing a hip pointer. Football players and hockey players are especially at risk. Hip pointers are also more common while playing basketball and soccer.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a hip pointer include:

Severe pain

Tenderness

Pain with activity

Swelling

Bruising

Soreness

Muscle spasms

Decreased range of motion

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to specialist. An orthopedist focuses on bones and joints. A sports medicine physician focuses on sport-related injuries.

Images may need to be taken of structures inside your body. This can be done with
x-ray.

Treatment

Hip pointers are treated with:

Restricting activities to allow the area to heal; this may involve using crutches to keep weight off the hip

Ice therapy to help relieve swelling

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain

Injection of a numbing medication and/or steroid directly into the hip to relieve severe pain

Physical therapy to help you regain mobility and build muscle strength

Prevention

Hip pointers occur through direct blows to the affected area. This is often accidental. As a result, not all hip pointers can be prevented. However, make sure to wear proper sports equipment and padding to decrease your chance of any injury.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.